Family Reflects on National Suicide Prevention Day

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Dr. Patrick Tharp lost his daughter to suicide 11 years ago.

He says that was due in part to her family not knowing the warning signs. So he takes this day every year to make sure people in his community know the warning signs and how to help someone in a suicidal situation.

“We learned that you need to go on, and that you need to do something about making our culture better and more aware that suicide can be prevented,” he said.

He says the first thing anyone should do if they suspect someone is thinking about ending their life is to talk to them and let them know they aren’t alone. He estimated that 90 percent of all people who are having suicidal feelings can be helped.

There are also hotlines for anyone who needs to talk: 1-800-273-TALK

He says suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and estimated that 50,000 people will end their own lives this year. He says if more people are educated on the signs and how to help someone, the fewer suicides there will be.